Anser refinishing/restore

[bigpopper81]

Possibilities/Suggestions

I just picked up this Anser and am wanting to have a go at refinishing it myself. I am looking at it as a learning experiece. My idea is to use the gun Blue stuff on it, smooth the scratches off the face, and maybe even add some weight to it. What is worth doing and what are recommendations on how to get it done? Thanks

[golfluvzme]

It may not be the popular opinion, but I'd leave a classic alone. It shows a nice patina, some battle scars, but nothing serious enough to affect a putt. They are difficult to refinish to get a bettter looking club. I haven't seen one yet, that turned out classier looking that what you have to start with.

If it were me, I'd track down an old Spalding TPM putter and start with that one. It may not be your style, to begin with, but after you put the work into it with the gun blue and polishing, you will have a better looking putter than you started out with. I am not so sure that the Anser will turn out that way.

Remember, this is only my opinion and if you do decide to do your refinish, I would love to see the after pics. I am always willing to change opinions.

Best of Luck in this one,

LaMont in AZ

[Puttitout]

Ping only charges about $20 to finish it for you. I don't know/think they will do the gun blue. Anyway you may just want a project to do. Just offering some extra info.

[IMAGOLFER]

Have it done professionally...

 

www.putterplating.com

 

www.slightergolf.com

 

www.blackoxideservices.com

 

or

 

contact Greg Palombi aka "Geoputters" (his work is AMAZING)

[bigpopper81]

My idea is probably to just do it myself. The $20 for Ping to refinish it doesn't sound bad though. If it was a SC I would consider one of those other refinishing options but on this particular putter I don't see the cost being worth it. Plus it will be fun.

 

From what I have gathered from other threads, generally it goes something like this:

 

1. Soak in Coke

2. Sand face smooth

3. Use Gun Blue

 

Ideally I'd like to add a little weight but I'm not sure if that is going to be feasable for me. But my biggest concern is what is the best way to get the face smoothed. I'd like that part to be as close to perfect as possible. All help is appreciated. Thanks

[matt411]

are you sure OTC gun blue will bond with the ping? It might not have any affect since it is not steel.

[christoufr]

Birchwood Casey makes a product called Brass Black, which works well on manganese bronze.

[golfluvzme]

One option for the face is to find a machine shop that will mill the face flat for you. I have seen another putter, here that the owner got it done for like $15 or so. Take just a little time and let you fingers do the walking. You may find a shop, very close. That would also look bitchin' to have a milled face Anser. I am thinking that the gun blue will work on your putter, just won't be the same color as if applied to steel.

Keep us posted and I am glad to see you are moving forward and ignored my first post. That one was sort of out of character for me. I love projects and love to see others take them on, as well.

Best of Luck,

LaMont in AZ

[bigpopper81]

I just won the putter last night on Ebay and am hoping to have a well researched plan for what I am going to do with it by the time I actually get it. Something new for me but can't wait to try it. We'll see though, maybe when I get it I'll want to keep it as is, but it looks like there are some good options.

[bigpopper81]

Is this a good functional spot to melt some lead into to add weight (other than covering the lettering)?

[smarshal75]

Coke works great. I just soaked an old Ping O-blade putter. You may actually like the color after the Coke soaking alone. The color is somewhere between new manganese and the dark patina. How do you plan on sanding the face? I would avoid using any sort of powered sander since manganese is fairly soft.

 

By the way, your Anser is in great condition, way better than my battered O-blade. Post picks when you get done, maybe it will motivate me to work on the O-blade.

[IMAGOLFER]

I look forward to seeing some "before" and "after" pics :( Good luck!